(Camden, New Jersey) — Cooper University Hospital is proud to announce that George Edwards and the Bumper “T” Caring Clowns, have been nominated for Governor Jon S. Corzine’s 2008 Volunteer Award in the Most Innovative category.
For over 30 years, George Edwards, as Dr. Bumper “T”, has offered his wonderful spirit and gift of humor as a hospital volunteer. His presence had such a profound impact on the patients, family’s and staff he visited that in 2002, Bumper “T” Caring Clowns became incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. Shortly after, a training course was developed and by April of 2002, the first graduating class of 24 caring clowns set out to give their gift of humor and compassion. Since then, the Bumper “T” Caring Clowns has grown to over 110 “funnyboneologists” who volunteer in hospitals throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
This group of caring individuals first graced the hallways of the Children’s Regional Hospital of Cooper Univeristy Hospital in early 1990’s and has continued doing so today, recruiting more volunteers each year.
“Bumper “T” and his clown comrades are remarkable, not only for their ability to bring joy, laughter and happiness, but also for their ability to sit in empathetic silence with a critically or terminally ill patient, sharing the comedy and tragedy of humanity with one another by a tear, a hug or gentle touch,”said Barbara Anne McCarty, CCLS, Child Life Coordinator at Cooper Hospital.
On Friday, November 14, 2008 at 9:30 a.m., Governor Jon S. Corzine and Secretary of State, Nina Mitchell Wells, will be hosting the 2008 Governor’s Volunteer Awards Ceremony.
“I believe Bumper “T”s passion, love of laughter and volunteer spirit will continue to infect those he meets,” adds Barbara. “He is an inspiration as he leaves his legacy for the many new volunteers who now share his gift of humor.”